Cuban pesos come in two types

The currency that you will use everywhere in Cuba is the CUC, also known as the Convertible Peso.

What can you buy with the Convertible Peso?

Anything that is for sale in your hotel is in CUCs

Everything that you see in the Dollar stores is in CUCs

All tourist souvenirs sell for CUCs

Most restaurants and cafes charge in CUCs

Taxis accept payment in CUCs

TIP

All CUC bills (ABOVE) have the words "pesos convertibles" on them so you won't mistake them for National pesos

CUCs are worth 25 TIMES the National pesos (PICTURED BELOW)

If you want to wander into a National Peso store or buy street foods or take a local bus across town, it’s a good idea to exchange a handful of your CUCs for National pesos at a
Casa de cambio--or Cadeca-- that does so.